Fastener

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a curved fastener that may be assembled to a tape measure, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item. A center line of the curved fastener may be or approximate a two-dimensional spiral or a parabola.

BACKGROUND

(1) Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of mechanical fasteners. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to curved fastener that may be used, for example, to at least temporarily affix a hand tool, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item to an article of clothing.

(2) Description of Related Art

Many types of fasteners are known for temporarily attaching items to an article of clothing. Spring-action clips, for instance, are widely used to secure tape measures, smart phones cases, and the like to a belt or to a waistband on a pair of trousers.

Conventional clips have many disadvantages, however. For example, some clips use torsion springs to apply a gripping force. But such springs are subjected to a large degree of flex during use. As a result of repeated stresses from such flexing, such clips can have a short mean time to failure (MTTF). In addition, many conventional clips lack adequate gripping force to remain secure. Moreover, if the gripping force is too strong, the clip may tear clothing at the point of attachment (for instance a pocket or waistband on a pair of trousers) when external forces are applied. For at least these reasons, conventional clips are not always suitable for their intended purpose. An improved fastener is therefore needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention seek to overcome one or more limitations of the prior art fasteners described above. To achieve this objective, embodiments of the invention provide a curved fastener that may be assembled to a tape measure, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item. A center line of the curved fastener may be or approximate a two-dimensional spiral or a parabola.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of a curved fastener, according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a curved fastener, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is side view of a curved fastener, according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a curved fastener, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a curved fastener that is connected to a tape measure, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a curved fastener that is connected to a tape measure, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10C are illustrations of an attachment process, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an end view of a curved fastener that is connected to a tape measure, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a curved fastener that is connected to a tape measure, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a curved fastener that is connected to a medallion, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a curved fastener that is connected to a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a curved fastener that is connected to a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a curved fastener that is connected to a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a curved fastener that is connected to a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully with reference to FIGS. 1-17, where like components are tagged with the same reference designator, and where features are not necessarily drawn to scale. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Fastening Structures

FIG. 1 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, a curved fastener 105 includes a mounting hole 115. The shape of the curved fastener 105 creates a channel 110. A centerline 120 of the curved fastener 105 forms a two-dimensional spiral that winds around the mounting hole 115 and terminates at the tail section 125. The mounting hole 115 is preferably disposed at or near a center point of the spiral formed by the centerline 120.

FIG. 2 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a second embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, a curved fastener 205 includes a mounting hole 215. The shape of the curved fastener 205 creates a channel 210. A centerline 220 of the curved fastener 205 forms a two-dimensional spiral that winds around the mounting hole 215 and terminates at the tail section 225. The mounting hole 215 is preferably disposed at or near a center point of the spiral formed by the centerline 220.

Alternative embodiments do not include the channels 110, 210 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, although such channels may be preferable.

Two-dimensional spirals can be described using polar coordinates. Moving from the center of the spiral outwards, the radius (r) of any point on the spiral track of the center line 120 increases as a function of an angle (θ) from a fixed direction. The type of spiral formed by the center line may vary, according to design choice. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the center lines 120, 220, each approximate a logarithmic spiral where r=ae^(bθ) (and where a and b are constants). In other embodiments (not illustrated), the center line of the curved fastener may approximate an Archimedean spiral where r=a+bθ. Alternatively, the center line of the curved fastener could approximate a hyperbolic spiral where r=a/θ. Other two-dimensional and three-dimensional spiral shapes are also possible. In addition, the direction of the two-dimensional spiral (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) could be varied according to design choice.

In embodiments of the invention, the center line of the curved fastener only approximates, for instance, a logarithmic, Archimedean, or hyperbolic spiral because the center line preferably terminates in a straight line tail section such as tail sections 125, 225, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In alternative embodiments, the tail section of a curved fastener could be curved to fully satisfy the precise mathematical definition of, for example, a logarithmic, Archimedean, or hyperbolic spiral. But a straight tail section or other non-compliant variation that results in a mere approximation of one of the aforementioned curve types does not defeat the utility of the curved fastener, and may be preferred.

FIG. 3 is top view of a curved fastener, according to a third embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, a curved fastener 305 is formed from a sheet 315 along cut line 310. The cut line 310 terminates in rip-stop features 320. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a center line 325 of the curved fastener 305 approximates a parabola. Parabolas can be described with reference to a quadratic function in a Cartesian coordinate system, e.g., y=f(x)=ax²+bx+c, where a, b, and c are constants, and where a≈0. Selection of constants a, b, and c will determine the shape of the parabola. The center line 325 only approximates a parabola, however, because the center line 325 terminates in a straight line tail section 330.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of curved fastener 105, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a curved fastener, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a curved fastener 505 includes a raised tail section 510. In the illustrated embodiment, double-sided tape 515 and screw 520 are disposed in a center portion of the curved fastener 505 to facilitate connection of the curved fastener 505 to a tool, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item. FIG. 6 is a side view of the curved fastener 505. The raised tail section 510 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 may facilitate temporary attachment of the curved fastener 505 to a belt, waistband, or other article of clothing.

The curved fastener 505 is non-planar at the tail section 510. For at least this reason, a center line (not shown) of curved fastener 505 only approximates a two-dimensional spiral. In addition, in variations of the fourth embodiment, a center line of each tail section 510, as projected onto a plane, may be a straight line. Accordingly, even a projection of the center line of the curved fastener 505 may only approximate, for example, a logarithmic, Archimedean, or hyperbolic spiral.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a curved fastener, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, a curved fastener 705 includes a mounting hole 710 and a writing instrument retainer 715. The writing instrument retainer 715 is non-planar and is configured to retain, for example, a lead pencil, felt tip marker pen, or other writing instrument.

The curved fastener 705 is non-planar at the writing instrument retainer 715. For at least this reason, a center line (not shown) of curved fastener 705 only approximates a two-dimensional spiral. In addition, in variations of the fifth embodiment, a center line of tail section 720, as projected onto a plane, may be a straight line. Accordingly, even a projection of the center line of the curved fastener may only approximate, for example, a logarithmic, Archimedean, or hyperbolic spiral.

Any of the curved fasteners illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and described above may be manufactured, for example, from steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or other rigid or semi-rigid material, and are preferably made from semi-rigid plastic using known plastic molding fabrication processes.

Exemplary Applications

FIG. 8 is a top view of a curved fastener 505 that is assembled to a tape measure 805 (i.e., a flexible ruler and type of tool) with hardware 810 to form an assembly 815. The hardware 810 could be or include, for instance, a sheet metal screw, machine screw, bolt and nut, or other fastener hardware. Preferably, the hardware 810 provides a fixed attachment so that, in use, the curved fastener 505 does not rotate with respect to the tape measure 805. Double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like, could also be used in combination with, or as an alternative to, the hardware 810 to achieve the same objective. FIG. 9 is a side view of the assembly 815 illustrated in FIG. 8. The curved fastener 505 facilitates the temporary attachment of the tape measure 805, for instance to a belt, waistband, or other article of clothing as will be further described below (as used herein, a belt is an article of clothing). In alternative embodiments (not shown) of the assembly 815, the curved fastener 505 could be replaced, for instance, by curved fastener 105 or 205.

FIGS. 10A-10C are illustrations of a process for temporarily attaching the assembly 815 to a belt 1015. In a first step illustrated in FIG. 10A, a user moves the assembly 815 in a direction 1020 such that tail section 510 engages the belt 1015 as shown. During this first step, a longitudinal axis 1035 of the tail section 510 is preferably disposed at a right angle 1040 with respect to a longitudinal axis 1025 of the belt 1015. As a second step, a user rotates the assembly 815 in a direction 1045. In FIG. 10B, such rotation has advanced such that the longitudinal axis 1035 of the tail section 510 is parallel to a longitudinal axis 1025 of the belt 1015. A user preferably continues to rotate the assembly 815 in the direction 1045 until the longitudinal axis 1035 of the tail section 510 is again disposed at a right angle 1050 with respect to a longitudinal axis 1025 of the belt 1015 (i.e., so the tail section 510 is pointing 180 degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 10A).

In the position illustrated in FIG. 10C, the assembly 815 is securely affixed to the belt 1015. Absent mechanical failure of the curved fastener 505 or belt 1015, the assembly 815 must be rotated a minimum of 90 degrees, and preferably 180 degrees, in an direction that is opposite to direction 1045, to dislodge the assembly 815 from the belt 1015.

FIG. 11 is an end view of a curved fastener 705 that is connected to a tape measure 805. Preferably, the connection is fixed so that, in use, the curved fastener 705 does not rotate with respect to the tape measure 805. FIG. 12 provides a side view of the same assembly. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a pencil 1105 that is secured by the writing instrument retainer 715.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a curved fastener 1305 that is fixably attached to a medallion 1310. The curved fastener 1305 (shown in dotted lines to indicate that it is disposed on a back side of the medallion 1310) is preferably threaded through a button hole (not shown) to facilitate the temporary attachment of the medallion 1310 to an article of clothing. As used herein, a medallion is a circular or oval item used for decoration. In alternative embodiments, the medallion 1310 could be replaced by a badge or an item of jewelry having a non-circular (and non-oval) shape.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a curved fastener 1405 that is connected to a portable electronic device 1410 with double-sided tape 1415 and a screw 1420. The portable electronic device 1410 may be, for example, a media player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or another portable device. In alternative embodiments, the curved fastener 1405 may be, for instance, the curved fastener 105 or 205 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the double-sided tape 1415 and/or screw 1420 may not be required. But in all embodiments, the connection between the curved fastener 1405 and the portable electronic device 1410 is preferably fixed, such that, in use, the position of the curved fastener 1405 does not change with respect to the portable electronic device 1410. FIG. 15 is a top view of a curved fastener 1505 that is fixably connected to the portable electronic device 1410 with the screw 1420. Together, FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate that, in embodiments of the invention, a center line (not shown) of a curved fastener could form a spiral with either clockwise or counterclockwise progression from the spiral center.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of curved fastener 305 on portable electronic device 1410. In embodiments of the invention, the curved fastener 305 may be a separate component that is fixably attached to the portable electronic device 1410. But preferably, the curved fastener 305 is an integral part of the portable electronic device 1410 chassis or case.

The curved fastener assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 11-16 and described above may be attached, for instance to a belt or other article of clothing, in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C. In each case, a user first engages the article of clothing with a tail section of the curved fastener. Then the user rotates the assembly that includes the curved fastener to lock (secure) such assembly to the article of clothing. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the curved fastener 305 securing the portable electronic device 1410 to a belt 1705.

CONCLUSION

Embodiments of the invention provide a curved fastener that may be assembled to a tape measure, portable electronic device, medallion, or other item. The disclosed curved fasteners many potential benefits. For example, curved fastener embodiments disclosed herein do not require a torsion spring that is subject to failure. In addition, assemblies that include a curved fastener are configured to temporarily, but robustly, secure such assemblies to a belt, waistband, or other article of clothing. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use, and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Features variously described in this specification could be combined in ways not expressly illustrated or described. 

I claim:
 1. A device for releasably attaching an item to an article of clothing comprising a curved fastener, wherein a centerline of the curved fastener at least approximates one of a two-dimensional spiral and a parabola.
 2. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional spiral is a logarithmic spiral.
 3. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional spiral is an Archimedean spiral.
 4. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional spiral is a hyperbolic spiral.
 5. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the curved fastener includes a raised tail section.
 6. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the curved fastener includes a writing instrument retainer.
 7. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the centerline of the curved fastener forms the two-dimensional spiral.
 8. The curved fastener of claim 1, wherein the centerline of the curved fastener forms the parabola.
 9. An assembly comprising: the curved fastener of claim 1; and a portable item fixably connected to the curved fastener.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the portable item is a tool.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the tool is a tape measure.
 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the portable item is an electronic device.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the electronic device is a smart phone.
 14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the portable item is a medallion.
 15. A method for a attaching the assembly of claim 9 to the article of clothing, the method comprising: engaging a tail section of the curved fastener with the article of clothing; and rotating the assembly to secure the assembly to the article of clothing.
 16. An assembly comprising: means for fastening; and a portable item fixably connected to the means for fastening, the means for fastening facilitating attachment of the portable item to an article of clothing.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the portable item is a tool.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the tool is a tape measure.
 19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the portable item is an electronic device.
 20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the electronic device is a smart phone. 